TOPICS
Topic 1: Spatio-Temporal Process Visualization for Better Bottleneck Detection (Bachelor/Master)
Description: Motivation: Processes are inherently embedded in a spatial environment—where work happens matters for understanding delays, handovers, and resource constraints—yet in process analysis, the spatial perspective remains invisible. Study: In this project, you will design an interactive process visualization that supports analysis for exploring where activities have happened and how different geographical process routes impact process performance (what-if analysis). This involves: (1) defining user tasks based on literature, (2) designing an artifact that is a set of instructions to address the defined tasks, (3) implementing a prototype, (4) evaluating the artifact in usage scenarios using real-world data, and (5) communicating the results in a report. Requirements: You will need programming proficiency and an understanding of BPM/process mining or visualization.
Initial References:
[1] F. Corradini, L. Mozzoni, J. Piccioni, B. Re, L. Rossi, and F. Tiezzi, “BEAR 2.0: Enhancing the Environment Model for Animating Environment-Aware BPMN Collaborations,” BPM (Demos / Resources Forum) 2025, no. 4032, pp. 200-207, 2025, URL: https://ceur-ws.org/Vol-4032/paper-27.pdf
[2] S. Schöttler, Y. Yang, H. Pfister, and B. Bach, “Visualizing and Interacting with Geospatial Networks: A Survey and Design Space,” Comput. Graph. Forum, vol. 40, no. 6, pp. 5–33, 2021, URL: https://doi.org/10.1111/CGF.14198
Supervisor: Christoffer Rubensson
Topic 2: Audio-Visual Process Enhancement: Improving Process Analysis with Sounds (Bachelor/Master)
Description: Motivation: Process analysis relies almost exclusively on visual encoding—colors, shapes, layouts—to analyze process inefficiencies. Yet cross-modal integration, e.g., combining audio and visuals in the same user interface, is cognitively advantageous because working memory can distribute brain resources more efficiently in this way. However, whether and how audio-enhanced process models improve task efficiency for process analysts remains untested. Study: In this project, you will conduct an exploratory design study on audio-visual process enhancement. This involves: (1) Define user tasks based on literature, (2) implement a simple prototype that displays a process model and maps process metrics (e.g., waiting times, throughput) to auditory cues (e.g., different sounds, different sound parameters like pitch and tempo), (3) design and execute a small empirical study with a small set of participants to test difference in task performance, and (4) discuss the insights and their implications in a report. Requirements: You will need some programming experience and an understanding of BPM/process mining or visualization — the focus is on designing the study and less on the implementation. There is no formal sound engineering background required, as you can use existing sound libraries.
Initial References:
[1] R. E. Mayer and R. Moreno, “A split-attention effect in multimedia learning: Evidence for dual processing systems in working memory.,” Journal of Educational Psychology, vol. 90, no. 2, pp. 312–320, 1998, URL: https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-0663.90.2.312
[2] Example library (Freesound): https://freesound.org/
Supervisor: Christoffer Rubensson
Topic 3: Quantum Computing in Information Systems Research: A Systematic Literature Review of Organizational Perspectives, Opportunities, and Risks (Bachelor/Master)
Description: Quantum computing is increasingly recognized as a disruptive technology with potentially profound implications for organizations. While research in computer science predominantly focuses on technical advances, Information Systems (IS) research is beginning to examine how quantum computing may affect organizations, digital transformation, cybersecurity, governance, business models, decision-making, and IT management. The objective of this thesis is to systematically review the IS literature to identify how quantum computing is conceptualized, which organizational opportunities and risks are discussed, which theoretical lenses are employed, and which research gaps remain. Particular attention should be paid to the implications of quantum computing for organizations rather than to technical aspects of quantum hardware or algorithms.
Initial References:
[1] Kar, A. K., He, W., Payton, F. C., Grover, V., Al-Busaidi, A. S., & Dwivedi, Y. K. (2025). How could quantum computing shape information systems research – An editorial perspective and future research directions. International Journal of Information Management, 80, 102776. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2024.102776
[2] Brettschneider, J., Wessel, L., & Mendling, J. (2026). How Companies Address the Threat of Cryptographically Relevant Quantum Computers and Migrate to Post-Quantum Cryptography. Proceedings of the 59th Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences | 2026. Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences. https://hdl.handle.net/10125/112095
[3] Näther, C., Herzinger, D., Gazdag, S.-L., Steghöfer, J.-P., Daum, S., & Loebenberger, D. (2024). Migrating Software Systems Toward Post-Quantum Cryptography-A Systematic Literature Review. IEEE Access, 12, 132107–132126. https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2024.3450306
[4] Vom Brocke, J., Simons, A., Riemer, K., Niehaves, B., Plattfaut, R., & Cleven, A. (2015). Standing on the Shoulders of Giants: Challenges and Recommendations of Literature Search in Information Systems Research. Communications of the Association for Information Systems, 37. https://doi.org/10.17705/1CAIS.03709
[5] Page, M. J., McKenzie, J. E., Bossuyt, P. M., et al. (2021). The PRISMA 2020 statement: An updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. BMJ, n71. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n71
Supervisor: Jennifer Brettschneider
Topic 4: Governmental Communication on Quantum Computing: A Discourse Analysis of the German Federal Office for Information Security (Bachelor/Master)
Description: Quantum computing is widely discussed as both a technological opportunity and a cybersecurity challenge. Public authorities play a key role in shaping organizations' understanding of these developments by communicating risks, recommendations, and expectations. The German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) has published a growing body of reports, studies, guidance documents, and web content on quantum computing and post-quantum cryptography. This thesis investigates how the BSI constructs the discourse surrounding quantum computing. Using discourse analysis, the study examines how quantum computing is framed, which narratives and metaphors are employed, how uncertainty and urgency are communicated, and how responsibilities for action are assigned to organizations. The findings will contribute to understanding how governmental cybersecurity communication influences organizational awareness and preparedness for emerging technologies.
Initial References:
[1] Kar, A. K., He, W., Payton, F. C., Grover, V., Al-Busaidi, A. S., & Dwivedi, Y. K. (2025). How could quantum computing shape information systems research – An editorial perspective and future research directions. International Journal of Information Management, 80, 102776. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2024.102776
[2] Frank K. Wilhelm, Rainer Steinwandt, Paul Lageyre, & Susanna Kirchhoff. (2025). Status of quantum computer development V2.2 (V2.2; p. 223). Federal Office for Information Security Germany. https://www.bsi.bund.de/SharedDocs/Downloads/DE/BSI/Publikationen/Studien/Quantencomputer/Entwicklungstand_QC_V_2_2.html
[3] Brettschneider, J., Wessel, L., & Mendling, J. (2026). How Companies Address the Threat of Cryptographically Relevant Quantum Computers and Migrate to Post-Quantum Cryptography. Proceedings of the 59th Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences | 2026. Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences. https://hdl.handle.net/10125/112095
[4] Phillips, N., Lawrence, T. B., & Hardy, C. (2004). Discourse and Institutions. The Academy of Management Review, 29(4), 635. https://doi.org/10.2307/20159075
[5] Hardy, C., & Maguire, S. (2016). Organizing Risk: Discourse, Power, and “Riskification.” Academy of Management Review, 41(1), 80–108. https://doi.org/10.5465/amr.2013.0106
Supervisor: Jennifer Brettschneider
Topic 5: Simulating a Smart Factory for Object-Centric Event Log Generation (Bachelor)
Description: Real-world object-centric event logs (OCEL) are scarce, since businesses are generally reluctant to share operational data. This topic investigates how a game or simulation environment can serve as a proxy of a smart factory (or other physical process, such as logistics and warehousing), from which object-centric event data is extracted and transformed into the OCEL standard. The work involves selecting and justifying a suitable simulation environment, instrumenting or modding it to extract object-level interaction data, mapping the captured data onto the OCEL meta-model, and evaluating the utility of the resulting log via process mining techniques. Experience with game/simulation data extraction and modding (or willingness to learn) is required, alongside knowledge of process mining.
Initial References:
[1] Liss, L., Elbert, N., Flath, C.M., van der Aalst, W.M.P. (2025). Framework for Extracting Real-World Object-Centric Event Logs from Game Data. In: Delgado, A., Slaats, T. (eds) Process Mining Workshops. ICPM 2024. Lecture Notes in Business Information Processing, vol 533. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-82225-4_27
[2] van der Aalst, W.M.P. (2019). Object-Centric Process Mining: Dealing with Divergence and Convergence in Event Data. In: Ölveczky, P., Salaün, G. (eds) Software Engineering and Formal Methods. SEFM 2019. Lecture Notes in Computer Science(), vol 11724. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-30446-1_1
[3] Ghahfarokhi, A.F., Park, G., Berti, A., van der Aalst, W.M.P. (2021). OCEL: A Standard for Object-Centric Event Logs. In: Bellatreche, L., et al. New Trends in Database and Information Systems. ADBIS 2021. Communications in Computer and Information Science, vol 1450. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-85082-1_16
Supervisor: Vito
Topic 6: Trustworthiness Cues in LLM-Based Chatbot Interaction (Bachelor/Master)
Description: When users interact with LLM-based chatbots, they assess the system's trustworthiness based on various cues (e.g., past performance, UI design, or semantic features of the output). However, it remains unclear which specific cues users rely on in their assessments and how these cues impact the perceived trustworthiness of the system. This thesis aims to design and implement a chatbot interface that allows for the systematic manipulation of trustworthiness cues in the context of programming tasks (e.g., Python). The resulting system is intended for use in empirical experiments with human participants to study the effect of specific cues on perceived trustworthiness. Basic knowledge in human-computer interaction (HCI) is preferable.
Initial references:
[1] Schlicker, N., Baum, K., Uhde, A., Sterz, S., Hirsch, M. C., & Langer, M. (2025). How do we assess the trustworthiness of AI? Introducing the trustworthiness assessment model (TrAM). Computers in Human Behavior, 170, Article 108671. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2025.108671
[2] Onnasch, L., Roesler, E., Robert, L. P., & De Visser, E. (2026). Trust(worthiness) issues with trust in human–robot interaction. ACM Transactions on Human-Robot Interaction, 15(3), Article 51. https://doi.org/10.1145/3778865
Supervisor: Konrad-Malte Hoppe
Topic 7: Perceived Trustworthiness and Verification Behavior in LLM-Based Chatbot Interaction (Bachelor/Master)
Description: Ideally, users of LLM-based chatbots actively verify system outputs rather than only passively accepting them. Whether and how users engage in such verification behavior is likely influenced by their perceived trustworthiness of the system. However, this link is not well understood. This thesis aims to design and implement a chatbot interface that automatically tracks and analyzes user verification behavior (e.g., double-checking outputs, editing generated code, asking follow-up questions) in the context of programming tasks (e.g., Python). The resulting system is intended to lay the groundwork for studying the link between perceived trustworthiness and verification behavior in empirical experiments with human participants. Basic knowledge in human-computer interaction (HCI) is preferable.
Initial references:
[1] Schlicker, N., Baum, K., Uhde, A., Sterz, S., Hirsch, M. C., & Langer, M. (2025). How do we assess the trustworthiness of AI? Introducing the trustworthiness assessment model (TrAM). Computers in Human Behavior, 170, Article 108671. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2025.108671
[2] Onnasch, L., Roesler, E., Robert, L. P., & De Visser, E. (2026). Trust(worthiness) issues with trust in human–robot interaction. ACM Transactions on Human-Robot Interaction, 15(3), Article 51. https://doi.org/10.1145/3778865
Supervisor: Konrad-Malte Hoppe
Topic 8: Interactive Process Simulation Web-App (Master (only study project))
Description: Business processes typically exhibit a pattern in which a small number of highly frequent trace variants account for most observed behavior, while a long tail of variants occurs only rarely [1]. Our latest research [2] found that these and other patterns can be observed using trace variant rank-frequency curves (RFCs), i.e., graphs that sort trace variant frequencies from highest to lowest. We proposed multiple hypotheses for why these patterns may emerge, including distinct process structures (e.g., loops) and process change. As part of our work, we developed an initial parameterized process simulation that explores these potential causes by isolating their individual effects. This semester project aims to extend the existing process simulation into an interactive web application in which users can observe the impact of different input parameters on trace variant RFCs in (near) real time.
Initial references:
[1] van der Aalst, W. M. P., Bichler, M., and Heinzl, A., Robotic Process Automation, Business & Information Systems Engineering 60 (4), 269–272 (2018).
[2] L. Ebert, K. Revoredo, J. Mendling, B. Depaire, Understanding Process Dynamics through Trace Variant Rank-Frequency Curves and reliability in process complexity measurement, in: Workshop on Change, Drift, and Dynamics of Organizational Processes (ProDy) at BPM 2026, accepted for publication (2026).
Supervisor: Lennart Ebert
Topic 9: Predictive Process Monitoring (Master/Bachelor)
Description: Predictive Process Monitoring focuses on anticipating future states of running business processes (e.g., remaining time, next activities, or outcome) based on event data. Students who have taken the course on Process Prediction and Machine Learning are especially encouraged to apply with their own research ideas related to the course content.
Interested students are invited to submit a short pitch including:
- the research problem and question they would like to address, and
- references to relevant papers that motivate or relate to the idea.
Initial References:
[1] Di Francescomarino, C., Ghidini, C. (2022). Predictive Process Monitoring. In: van der Aalst, W.M.P., Carmona, J. (eds) Process Mining Handbook. Lecture Notes in Business Information Processing, vol 448. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-08848-3_10
Supervisor: Kate Revoredo
Topic 10: Predictive Process Monitoring in Industry (Master)
Description: Predictive Process Monitoring (PPM) focuses on anticipating future states of running business processes (e.g., remaining time, next activities, or outcome) based on event data. While PPM has gained traction in research, its practical adoption and implementation in organizations remain underexplored. The goal of this thesis is to systematically investigate how organizations use or evaluate PPM, drawing on both a critical analysis of the state of the art and empirical insights from practice. This will require independently identifying and engaging suitable organizations (e.g., via professional networks, industry associations, or direct outreach) as part of the empirical work. Prior knowledge of PPM, process mining, and business process management is necessary.
Initial References:
[1] Di Francescomarino, C., Ghidini, C. (2022). Predictive Process Monitoring. In: van der Aalst, W.M.P., Carmona, J. (eds) Process Mining Handbook. Lecture Notes in Business Information Processing, vol 448. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-08848-3_10
[2] Grisold T, Mendling J, Otto M, vom Brocke J (2021), "Adoption, use and management of process mining in practice". Business Process Management Journal, Vol. 27 No. 2 pp. 369–387, doi: https://doi.org/10.1108/BPMJ-03-2020-0112
Supervisor: Kate Revoredo
Topic 11: Trust in Process Mining Systems
Description: Process mining systems are increasingly used to support data-driven decision-making, yet their effectiveness depends on users’ trust in the system and its outputs. This thesis examines how trust in process mining systems is formed and which factors influence it. Building on the Extended Theory of Effective Use Model (Trieu et al., 2022), the study analyzes how users perceive system-generated insights, interpret uncertainty, and develop confidence in analytical results. Particular attention is given to the conceptualization and measurement of trust as a construct in this context.
The core aims of the study are to (1) identify key dimensions of trust in process mining and (2) analyze the relationship between trust and effective use behaviors. The findings contribute to a better understanding of how trust enables effective use of process mining systems in organizational settings.
Initial References:
[1] Onnasch, L., Roesler, E., Robert, L. P., & De Visser, E. (2026). Trust(worthiness) issues with trust in human–robot interaction. ACM Transactions on Human-Robot Interaction, 15(3), 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1145/3778865
[2] Valori, I., Kraus, J., & Fairhurst, M. T. (2026). Interdisciplinary perspectives and current findings on the role of trust as a psychological mediator in human interaction with artificial intelligence: Editorial overview. Computers in Human Behavior, 180, Article 108957. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2026.108957
[3] Mayer, R. C., Davis, J. H., & Schoorman, F. D. (1995). An integrative model of organizational trust. The Academy of Management Review, 20(3), 709–734. https://doi.org/10.2307/258792
[4 ] Lee, J. D., & See, K. A. (2004). Trust in automation: Designing for appropriate reliance. Human Factors, 46(1), 50–80. https://doi.org/10.1518/hfes.46.1.50_30392
[4] Hoff, K. A., & Bashir, M. (2015). Trust in automation: Integrating empirical evidence on factors that influence trust. Human Factors, 57(3), 407–434. https://doi.org/10.1177/0018720814547570
[5] Brock, J., Brennig, K., Löhr, B., Bartelheimer, C., von Enzberg, S., Dumitrescu, R., 2024. Improving Process Mining Maturity – From Intentions to Actions.
Business & Information Systems Engineering 66, 585–605. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12599-024-00882-7
[6] Badakhshan, P., Wurm, B., Grisold, T., Geyer-Klingeberg, J., Mendling, J.,vom Brocke, J., 2022. Creating business value with process mining. The
Journal of Strategic Information Systems 31, 101745. URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0963868722000415
[7] Trieu, V.H., Burton-Jones, A., Green, P., Cockcroft, S., 2022. Applying and Extending the Theory of Effective Use in a Business Intelligence Context. MIS Quarterly 46, 645–678. doi:10.25300/MISQ/ 2022/14880.
Supervisor: Tuba Khesraui